We mark 50 years this Thursday of our Sister City relationship with the Japanese city of Miyazu. Then Mayors McLennan and Yano signed the agreement on 7 May 1976. Our anniversary celebrations include a public lunchtime concert this Thursday and a delegation from Miyazu visiting us for a special Blossom Festival at Miyazu Garden on 26 September.
Sister Cities arose from the aftermath of World War II. US President Eisenhower established the international organisation to improve cultural understanding between countries, cities and citizens. Our Sister City relationship with Miyazu is the second oldest, of hundreds of such agreements, in NZ. We can be proud of being early starters. It reflects our city’s long-term ethos of being outward looking, interested in other cultures and advocates for peace.
The horror and hurt of World War II were still raw 50 years ago. I was raised with a critical view of Japanese people, influenced by my Uncle Charlie Smith who fought in the Pacific and never fully recovered. Japan lost more than 2 million people and suffered the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It took courage 50 years ago for both cities to lay a path for reconciliation. We have subsequently built a love and respect for the culture and grace of the people of Miyazu and Japan.
It is a tribute to the depth of the relationship that today Japan is one of Nelson’s most important economic partners. Sumitomo Forestry, through Nelson Pine Industries and Tasman Pine Forests, has invested over $1 billion in our region and employs more than 270 people. They are generous sponsors of our Mako, Adam Chamber Music Festival and Hospice. Nissui, as a 50% owner of Sealord, is also a key investor and employer. Japan is an important market for our apples, kiwifruit, hops, seafood, wood and dairy products.
The Nelson & Miyazu commemorative concert on Thursday starts at 12.30pm in our Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (tickets $20) celebrating this relationship. I dropped into the choir’s rehearsal at the weekend, and it was stunning. You can also join our 50th celebrations in spring, on 26 September, at the Blossom Festival at Miyazu Garden when we host their Mayoral delegation.
